Ryan Johnson

Ryan Johnson is the Senior Director of Racquet Works for Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, and Troon. Racquet Works is a groundbreaking education, development, and resource platform designed to elevate every facet of racquet sports operations — from innovative programming and facility design to leadership development and hospitality management. Through this initiative, Ryan and his team empower clubs and facilities to optimize operations, enhance member engagement, and drive sustainable growth across the global racquet sports industry.

Before joining Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Ryan served as Director of Racquet Sports at Paradise Valley Country Club and previously held the same position at Desert Mountain Club. His leadership experience also includes serving as Director of Tennis at Camelback Village Racquet & Health Club in Phoenix, Head Tennis Professional at Seattle Tennis Club, and Teaching Professional at Olde Providence Racquet Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. Early in his career, he contributed to collegiate athletics as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the University of Arizona Men’s Tennis Team (2009–2011).

A former scholarship athlete and team captain at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Ryan earned recognition among the program’s all-time Top 10 for single-season doubles wins. During his senior year, he led the team to a conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

Ryan holds multiple industry certifications, including Elite Professional (RSPA) and Adult Professional (PTR), along with RSPA certifications in Pickleball and Padel, and Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) credentials. He currently serves as the RSPA Head Pickleball Coach Developer for the Southwest and holds the Certified Racquet Sports Executive (CRSE) designation. Additionally, he is RacquetFit Certified through the founders of the Titleist Performance Institute.

Dedicated to advancing the industry, Ryan serves as Vice President of the RSPA Southwest Board and contributes to the RSPA National Pickleball Task Force Committee, which created a certification pathway for non-members entering the RSPA through pickleball. He also volunteers with McMahon Careers as the Young Professionals Liaison, leading initiatives that provide resources and mentorship for emerging leaders in racquet sports.

Ryan’s leadership and contributions have been widely recognized — he received the 2024 RSPA Southwest Industry Excellence Award and the 2021 Southwest Division and National RSPA Elevate Professional of the Year honors. He has been a featured presenter at numerous national and international events, including the 2024 RSPA World Conference, 2024 Director’s Club Retreat, and 2023 Club Management Association of America (CMAA) World Conference, among others.

Before returning full-time to the racquets industry, Ryan practiced law as a litigation attorney with K&L Gates in Seattle and the Hatcher Law Group in Charlotte, North Carolina.